Eurovision
After coming in 10th in the 2006 contest, Ireland automatically qualified to the final of the 2007 contest in Helsinki. Commentary on RTÉ One for both the final and semi-final, which was broadcast in Ireland even though it was not part of it, was made by Marty Whelan, while Larry Gogan provided commentary on RTÉ Radio One. Before the contest, "They Can't Stop the Spring" received a change in its performance, with the instrumental break in the song being increased in length. The odds of Ireland's win at the contest varied between bookmakers, ranging from 25–1 up to 51–1, however, the writer of the song John Waters believed that Dervish could win the contest.
Three-time winner Johnny Logan criticised the contest when interviewed in the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet. He disapproved of the its lack of orchestra, the televoting system as well as the allowance of free language in the contest, calling it a "karaoke contest".
Read more about this topic: Ireland In The Eurovision Song Contest 2007